Diet drinks may up strokes in postmenopausal women

That said, almost two-thirds of the women consumed diet sodas or drinks very infrequently, meaning less than once a week or never.

Women who drink at least two cans of diet drink a day are at more risk of stroke, heart disease or an early death, according to a study involving more than 80,000 women. He said, "We don't know specifically what types of artificially sweetened beverages they were consuming, so we don't know which artificial sweeteners may be harmful and which may be harmless". Just something to be aware of.

"Many well-meaning people, especially those who are overweight or obese, drink low-calorie sweetened drinks to cut calories in their diet, ' said Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, the study's lead author".

Researchers analyzed data on 81,714 postmenopausal women (age 50-79 years at the start) participating in the Women's Health Initiative study that tracked health outcomes for an average of 11.9 years after they enrolled between 1993 and 1998.

At the end of three years, the women were asked to report on their consumption of diet drinks, low calorie, artificially sweetened colas, fruit drinks, sodas etc. over the previous three months.

The risks are higher for women with no history of heart disease.

The authors stressed that the study found a link but could not prove that diet drinks cause stroke and heart problems.

"This is another confirmatory study showing a relationship between artificially sweetened beverages and vascular risks", said Dr Ralph Sacco, president of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study found the women also had an increased risk of developing heart disease (29 per cent) and an increase risk of dying of 16 per cent.

"While we respect the mission of these organizations to help prevent conditions like stroke and dementia, the authors of this study acknowledge that their conclusions do not - and can not - prove cause and effect".

While the results found a link, it's important to note that more research needs to be done to provide enough evidence.

The new study "adds to the evidence that limiting use of diet beverages is the most prudent thing to do for your health", Rachel Johnson, emeritus professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont and chair of AHA's science advisory group on the topic, said in the release.

I know it can be hard for folks to switch from drinking sugary beverages to healthier options, so using diet drinks as a transition to water or herbal teas could be helpful.

The stroke is was caused by a blocked artery, especially small arteries.

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